Women with Vision!™ magazine aims to provide editorials that educate,
motivate and inspire people of all ages and from all walks of life, and to
promote success in business and daily living.

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www.womenwithvision.ca
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5

The EDITOR’S desk

Communication
and Leadership
Crystal clear communication is a year round effort, not just
during annual holidays five times a year. Whether it’s at
work, with friends or someone new you’ve just met…knowing
how to express yourself can make for a lasting friendship.

Leadership comes from a continual effort to express your wants, needs and desires. If there’s a
mutual compatibility from the start, then the ladder to a successful relationship is yours to climb.
What’s the old phrase: ‘People come into our lives for a minute, an hour…a week… a year or a
life time’. It’s not uncommon for relationships to wean over the years. Change of interests, jobs,
even marriage can alter how leadership can affect your day to day lives – out of sight, out of mind.

…connecting
through
educational
& networking
updates

In coaching and mentoring people from all walks of life it is a common thread that spending time
with family and or friends once or thrice a year can be challenging, especially if you don’t talk
between visits. Taking a few minutes to pick up the phone, send an email or card (everyone loves
to receive a card out of the blue) or connecting on Facebook can keep you connected. Making an
impromptu visit you can pick up where you left off...
Combining communication and leadership for success takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight.
I learned to talk in sentences by the age of two…it’s taken a lifetime to learn how to communicate.
As I go to press with this winter issue of Women with Vision!® I want to thank
you, the readers and all those who have continually encouraged me to follow
my vision – as I accept the 2013 International Toastmaster Award for
Communication and Leadership.
I share from experience; communicate with everyone you know and meet
along life’s journey and the leadership will come naturally.

The feature people about whom I write, have traveled a long, winding road to success – each one on their own
journey; a journey that sometimes hasn't been smooth. These people open their hearts to inspire and motivate
others, of all ages, to follow their dreams and passions, creating their ultimate VISION!™

Make yourself known as an expert
by giving presentations to your
target audience.
We all want to raise awareness about our business. One relatively
inexpensive way to achieve this, as a business owner, is to showcase
your expertise to an interested audience. And the most direct route
to such an audience is live and in person. Find the best group by
offering to speak at business associations or, better yet, ask your clients
what associations they belong to and offer to give a presentation at
an association event (eg. monthly meeting, conference).

1. Try beginning with humour. It warms the audience,
makes them want to hear what else you have to say and, most
importantly, helps them remember you. Try to make your joke or
comment relevant to your audience. If you are from out of town,
reference the area or local weather perhaps. Another source of
humour is to joke about yourself (eg. reference a mishap
experienced on the way to the site) or your profession if you are
in the same line of business as your audience.
2. Be self-deprecating. Don’t be afraid to reveal yourself as
human. We all tend to have similar fears, worries and faults. By
sharing yours, you put yourself on the same level with your
audience and, at the same time, make them want you to succeed.
3. Pause during your remarks. This can be tough to do. If
nervous, we tend to speak too quickly and not to pause. But
pausing serves to reinforce that you are the centre of attention, let’s
you make eye contact and allows people to think about what you
are saying. It also gives you time to refocus. And remember that an

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www.womenwithvision.ca

unintended pause (we can all lose our train of thought) is less
noticeable if you have taken brief moments throughout your talk.
4. Keep it simple! People are not going to be impressed with
intricate charts and graphs. Instead, they are likely to get bored.
Besides, do you really expect them to remember complicated
data? A single, powerful and crystal-clear fact – ensuring that you
put it in context for your group – is better. (eg. Women make
85% of consumer purchasing decisions. If you’re not catering to
this market, how are you staying afloat?)

Being committed to trying isn't good enough...
You need to be committed to doing!
Successful FEMPRENEURS don't just "TRY" to be successful.
They are 100% committed to being successful and doing what
ever actionable steps it takes to get them there! So much so that
everyday they make decisions others are not willing to make in
order to achieve their goal. And they continue to make decisions
that others are not willing to make in order to stay successful.

With your personal challenges; or with potential clients and their
reluctance to spend any money with you. And about a hundred
other factors on an never-ending list.

5. Leave time for a Q and A. This connects you with
individuals who are particularly interested in what you have to
say. It also helps you hone your remarks for next time.
Bonus tip:
Showcase your expertise…but don’t self-promote. Provide valuable
information rather than a blatant sales pitch for your business. One
of the biggest gaffes is when a business
speaker self-promotes to the audience.The
best way to market yourself is to share tips
and knowledge. Give the audience your
sales material afterward.

Whether a Coach, Trainer, Sales Agent, Consultant, Retailer,
Speaker or Bread-maker, many FEMPRENEURS (Women in
Business Owners) think, talk and do in terms of "TRYING" to
generate leads and "TRYING" to grow their business.

Like it or not, the business environment we now operate in can
be harsh, cutthroat and competitive, seemingly increasingly
competitive each day. I'm not just talking about competing
businesses - today, you're competing against the economy.

obstacles to overcome in order to get back on track and achieve
what they wanted.
Do you think that if they had just been "TRYING" to be
successful they would have had the strength to pick themselves
up and turn things around?
Or course not! Their commitment and resolve kept them going
while all of the "Try'ers" gave up and fell by the way side! This
applies to you too!
Don't just "TRY"! Be 100% committed, relentless and willing to
do the things that others are not willing to do and make the
decisions that others are not willing to make...

So if you think, talk and do in terms of "TRYING" when things
get tough, as they will at more than one point in your business
life, you're not going to be able to weather the storms.

Photo: Yanka Van der Kolk

Whether you want to be a speaker to boost your business, or are
simply faced with the prospect of public speaking for whatever
reason, it is a skill that can be honed. Here are some tips.

COMMUNICATION

ARE YOU CLEAR ON

for Powerful
Presentations

I’m not referring to a sales presentation, here. I’m talking about
making presentations to audiences on topics of interest to them
and about which you have a great deal to share based on your
experience. This can position you as a subject matter expert or
even a thought leader in your industry.

&

Ever read the biography of any successful person in any industry,
regardless how or where they attained they’re success? Whether
in business, sports, politics, religion, music, fashion, movies, TV,
almost without exception, there was a point in their life or career
when they were pretty much at rock bottom.
Their businesses or career was in trouble, bankrupt or close to it.
They were threatened by injuries that either had them
temporarily drop off the map or team. And had some very big
www.womenwithvision.ca

Crystal Clear, Clarity, Vision. All words that can reflect what we see.
If you looked in the mirror – would you see what others see?
When my grandson was in junior school, he came home with
a little brown bag. The kind you could get when you bought
penny candy years ago.
His eyes were shining and he was excited, he couldn’t wait to
share the contents of that little brown bag.
Like so many little guys, what people saw in him, was their
vision and not necessarily what everyone saw. As with many
little boys, he had been categorized with ADHD. If you asked
him for words to describe himself, he would say
“troublemaker; disruptive; uncooperative and noisy. Not very
positive words for a young boy!
Where did he get those words? From the people who were in
his life. His teacher, the kids who reflected the teacher’s words
and from the people he came in contact with day after day.
Imagine how he must have felt.
His teacher recognized that she had to change his vision. She
wanted to “right the wrong.”

The class was small and everyone sat in a circle. The teacher
passed each child a mirror and asked them to say something
positive about themselves. Then she said that each child must
write a positive word about all the children sitting in the
circle. They were instructed to say the word, while dropping
that word into the little brown paper bag in front of each
student.
At the end of the day, each child took that little brown bag
with all the positive words that described them home.
My grandson raced home that day to share what his school
mates had written about him.
He dumped out the little brown bag and the words swirled
around the table…words like “Happy, Smiley, Helpful, Brave
and Fast, quickly settled on the table for both of us to
consider. He looked at me and with a huge smile on his face
he said, “They like me Nanny, they don’t see the bad me, they
see the good me!
I hugged him and realized that we all have two parts to who
we are. And it’s often the negative that we dwell on. It’s been
years, but he still remembers that little brown paper bag and
how it made a difference in his life.

Do You Stay
OR SHOULD YOU LEAVE?
By Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.
i met with a client recently when he was required to sign his Separation agreement. His
relationship had lasted over a period of about 20 years and bore two children who were now in their
teens. He shared how this relationship had been wrong from the very beginning. naturally, i
questioned how the relationship had lasted as long as it did.
The answer I received is representative of a mistaken belief
held by many. His reply was “I kept hoping she would change.
I thought she did sometimes but then it wouldn’t last.” Many
individuals think their spouse will miraculously change or that
they can change their spouse. Let’s be crystal clear about one
thing – individuals do not change unless they themselves truly
want to change. The spouse may temporarily change their
behavior just because the other person complained but a
person can pretend for only so long to be the person you want
them to be. Eventually, their true character cannot be denied.
When your spouse’s conduct is unacceptable to you and you
discuss it with your spouse and receive any of the following
responses - a failure to admit the behavior; a denial that there
is anything wrong with the conduct; or attempts to excuse or
assign blame for the behavior to you or to someone else – no
change will ensue. You then either have to decide whether
you can really overlook the behavior or whether it is so

unacceptable that the relationship must end. When the
conduct entails an addiction – whether drugs, alcohol,
gambling or other addiction – the challenge to keep the
family intact is even greater and sometimes impossible.
Despite the commitment of one person, unless both parties
are invested in the relationship and are prepared to do
whatever it takes to keep the relationship together, sometimes
it is inevitable that the relationship must be ended for selfpreservation; to help the other person or for the protection of
the children.
n Rose Pellar,
B.A.S., LL.B.,
Barrister & Solicitor
Pellar Family Law
Professional Corporation
rosepellar@pellarfamilylaw.com
www.womenwithvision.ca

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BUSINESS, FINANCE

&

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

&

COMMUNICATION

surprise their wives with duty free perfume and a champagne breakfast out. Some of them are still married and I still laugh, probably
because I didn’t go. Humour is indispensable in life and is a critical tool in managing stress, especially in professions where standards
are high and deadlines tight. To excel as an accountant you must be able to laugh, especially at yourself.Years ago one of our breed,
Bob Newhart, even had his own sitcom.

The final myth is that accountants spend their careers “pushing numbers”. The truth is that those that do so have chosen it. Basic
math and quickness with numbers are fundamental to becoming an accountant but then accountancy becomes a tremendous
doorway to other opportunities for upward mobility. For me it
was entry into corporate management and eventually into the
executive ranks of an exciting Canadian Tech company. I left
pushing numbers behind and instead used them to help shape
corporate strategy.
Professional Corporation

Pellar Family Law

Recently, the three Canadian accounting bodies; CA, CMA
and CGA have worked to unify into a national Canadian body
under the designation of CPA. The movement occurred in
response to globalization and keeps Canadian accountants
globally competitive. It is an exciting time to be entering the
profession. To young undergrads today who are searching for
a career direction I would say to have a look at accountancy.
Yes, you have to work hard and compete but like I said, there
is a lot more to being an accountant than people think.
It’s been a lot of fun and without any regret for all the effort it
took to get through. I am still grateful for that crystal clear
epiphany, years ago, that opened the doorway to such
extraordinary career opportunities for me.

“People always ask me, were you funny as a child? Well, no, I was an accountant.”
~ Ellen DeGeneres
Ask someone what comes to mind at the mention of the word
“accountant” and to this day you will likely hear about a
number mumbling introvert, wearing shiny pants, green eye
shades and furiously counting beans under a dim light. The
picture is most certainly an unflattering but timeless
perspective.

epiphany one day while teaching basic accounting to grade
10’s. What better way to disprove the stereotype than to sneak
an expressive, well dressed extrovert, bad with numbers and
who barely passed university accounting into the CA program.
And that was how I came to uncover the myths about
accountants.

Just to test this stereotype, in 1972 after a two year adventure
in teaching, I hurled myself with abandon into Chartered
Accountancy. The idea had come to me as a crystal clear

The CA “boot camp” was tough; hard work but surprisingly,
also hard play. Midnight oil was burned not only at the books
preparing for CA exams but also at the pub, honing
communication skills. The bosses encouraged both academic
and social excellence by setting difficult training and work
challenges and also by picking up the pub tab frequently.
Unlike law students we were called to the bar regularly each
week, leaving no time to be “nerds”. And so I cracked myth
#1. To become an accountant you actually cannot be a nerd.
How well you relate to people, communicate, behave and
present yourself is as critical to success as is technical
accounting knowledge.

Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.

“We care not only about your results,
we care about you and your family”
SEPARATION/DIVORCE RESOLUTIONS
for Custody, Access, Support and Division of Property
through Negotiated Settlement Discussions and the
Collaborative Process. Protect your Rights with a
Cohabitation Agreement or Marriage Contract

As for absence of humour, I learned quickly that this was
another myth. In the first week a group from my team played
a great joke on their wives when, on a whim, they went to
New York City one evening, returning the next morning to

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www.womenwithvision.ca

13

BUSINESS, FINANCE

&

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

It’s Crystal Clear
TO ME
…my friends ask me for answers
By Mary Ann Matthews
There are times when situations are anything but clear. They are muddy. It is often said that when we are in the middle of something,
it’s hard to see our way clear to get out of that mud puddle. An outside or objective point of view is often what is needed.
Are you someone with a high degree of objectivity? Perhaps you are a Solution Provider. You seem to have answers to problems by
logically analyzing the challenges and finding an answer. Do you sometimes wonder privately and secretly what planet some people
have fallen out of? You might think to yourself, “they can’t even find their way out of a wet paper bag and the solution is crystal clear
to me!”
Some people have very little logical ability when they are in the middle of a situation. Take Sally for example (I use that name all the
time). Sally is in the middle of a dilemma and it is hard for her to decide what to do. Sometimes our heart tells us to do one thing
and our head tells us just the opposite. She can’t decide whether or not to accept a dinner invitation. Her heart tells her to go and
her head tells her not to go.
We have often heard (and may have said it ourselves), “I need to ask you your advice, because this is not crystal clear to me.” Analyzing
a situation can be genuinely tough for Sally when objectivity is lost. So Sally turns to the Solution Providers in her life – and you
may be one of them. Sally needs some advice from you as to whether she should go or whether she should stay home.
In order to find the Solution Providers, we look at the lower case ‘m’s and ‘n’s.

Notice that all of the ‘m’s and ‘n’s have a v-type wedge at the bottom, which is what we call the baseline. This shows that the writer
has strong analytical and logical skills. She is always sifting, sorting and evaluating the data that she is taking in. This process is often
laser-like.
The Solution Provider will not always get along with those lacking logical skills. They will frustrate her as they can’t keep up with
her thought processes. Those people will be surprised by her quick and creative answers and will be relieved that she has found a
solution to their dilemma. You will often hear them say, “Wow! That’s a great idea! I never thought of that before!”
The Solution Provider is a must at brainstorming sessions. This is where she shines. Give her a puzzle or a
problem to solve and she is in her element! Just listen to the number of surprising solutions that she can provide.

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www.womenwithvision.ca

COMMUNICATION

Crystal Clear

Communication
By Lorraine Leslie

Making your message crystal clear…
How many times have you said this phrase or thought it for that matter.
Clarity of thought sometimes eludes us in our busy lives. We
internally understand what we are trying to say but sometimes
it doesn’t come out the way it was intended. So what about
writing down what you want to get across to someone through
written correspondence.

(u), meeting (mtg) just to save space on the small screens? Or
is it laziness or lack to interest to write the full word out?
In twenty years what’s going to happen when our children
have to write their first resume to get a job? Is sending it
electronically going to be the norm? Is a computer going to

We learn to speak by the age of two. Learning to communicate
is a lifetime of learning.
continued on pg. 16

In school we start with our ABC’s
and then graduate to forming
sentences, paragraphs and eventually
essays. We don’t think about the
process much…it just happens. We
learn to make speeches; to
communicate to large groups of
people as we stand on stage in the
school auditorium but what
happens once we leave that
educational institution?
Now don’t get me wrong I find my
state of the art technical devices cell phones, lap top, etc. very useful
but when it comes down to making
a crystal clear presentation these
devices do not work as well as
talking about it in person. What
happened to the good old
telephone that we dialed? Seems
the whole world is pushing buttons
or tapping on screens these days.
What’s next…telepathy?
What’s happened to writing…script
writing. Not to mention the
English language…

…because it’s crystal clear to her.
Yes, the trail of ink that we leave as our pen travels across the
page really does tell our story.

How many young people are using
short forms – message (msg), you
www.womenwithvision.ca

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BUSINESS, FINANCE

&

COMMUNICATION

&

Crystal Clear Communication...
continued from pg. 15

LIFESTYLE
BEAUTY

scan the resumes for the catch words or
will an actual person review the top ten
words before they are invited for an
interview. Who will hire them; the
person or the computer? Now that’s
scary!
My question is…will our children
know how to communicate clearly
through the universal language that
seems to be disappearing ever so slowly
or will they keep the basic written skills
to introduce them self on paper?
We will never speak in code – u hav 2
mtgs btwn nx wk & the end of the mo.
Being crystal clear and writing things
out in full to communicate your
thoughts will enhance everyone’s life…
and we will continue to teach the next
generation their ABC’s.

The snow has fallen all night and your elder parent is rubbing their arms to keep warm. It’s chilly under
foot as they step out of bed. They’ve been tucked in under warm blankets all night so their shivering
body seems a little ridged as they slowly enter the kitchen for breakfast.
Sound familiar? Do you recognize theses symptoms in your aging
parents?
We tend to look at our parents as though they are invincible, then one
day you look up and see they are not the spry, always-on-the-go
‘Grandma or Grandpa’ they were a few years back. Thinking of ways
to care for them really doesn’t take much time at all.
Although we joke about the cold weather, elderly people in their
seventies and eighties really do feel the cold differently than they did
in their sixties. As we age, our skin loses it elasticity and the epidermis
(the top layers of the skin) also thin giving way to showing protruding

veins. Veins carry blood throughout the body but when the core of
the body is chilled it will leave the extremities, (feet and hands) to
keep the upper body warm. Unlike a baby who is born with a plump
little body full of all the needed physical requirements to keep them
warm, the body changes as we age. When women go through
menopause, their estrogen levels are all over the map so they are
uncomfortable with hot flashes, but both men and women who are
aging lose their hormonal balance leaving them with no backup
system to keep them warm.
Elder people are more susceptible to catching colds, the flu and
pneumonia. Sometimes the best prevention for avoiding these
seasonal ailments is to take the time to plan ahead
and prepare for the cold weather. Being more
aware can eliminate many unforseen problems
experienced by your elder parent.
1. Eat properly. Include fresh fruits and vegetables
and lots of water.
2. Let the elder person have time to rest during
the day. Elders sleeping patterns are more
frequent and not as deep, so napping is good
for them. If they fall asleep in a chair put a
blanket over them.
3. Wash their hands frequently! Keep a warm
face cloth handy when out shopping to keep
germs under control. Always wash their hands
before they eat, especially in a public place. A
small package of alcohol-based cleaners is
perfect for their pocket.

Elder Care...continued from page 18
4. Get a flu shot – drink plenty of fluids and have the appropriate
mild pain relievers for elder people on hand. Always check with
your Pharmacist first for the proper cold medications.
5. Exercise is very important for elderly people. Walking is the best
exercise as it will continue to keep the blood circulating
throughout the entire circulatory system that keeps their body
warm.

Lets
Talk...
Because sometimes the best medicine
is a good dose of knowledge.

6. If your elder parent lives alone…hire someone to shovel their
driveway…it would make a nice Christmas gift.
7. Drink lots of liquids to keep hydrated…when you have a drink
automatically give one to your elder parent. Avoid giving an
elder parent caffeine as it dehydrates them twice as fast. Water,
milk and juice are best.

8. Update your car’s winter safety kit. In your vehicle keep candles,
dry matches, pre-packaged food, extra blankets or sweaters, etc.
in a dry container. Even if you’re not planning on a road trip,
having the emergency kit in your car could save you and your
passengers from frostbite or worse.
Nancy Kivell
Certified Esthetician

Georgian Wellness
124 Ontario St. Collingwood

705.444.4736

Dresses for all
occasions...
over 600 in
stock...
largest selection
in the area!

Walk-ins always welcome

9. Keep your cell phone charged. With the family packages these
days give one to your elder parent. Tell them where you’re going
and when you plan to return and always give them a second
person to call if needed.
10. In the case of a snow storm, stock up on extra non-perishable
food items for the whole family. Remember elder people may
need softer food items due to digestion and/or eating ability.
If a storm hits your area hard you can safely cancel your
activities and know you’ve got food to survive until the roads
clear or the power comes back on. You or your kids can sit
next to your elder and warm them up with a hug and a blanket.
Give them reassurance...you are there to protect them…as they
were for you when you were growing up.
Winter can be a beautiful time of year for all ages but can pose some
challenges for elderly people. While you are outside building a
snowman, place your elder parent in front of the window so they
can join in on the fun…make them laugh, smile and leave a fond
memory for the entire family playing and working together. Isn’t
that how we all picture our family, young and old?
n Lorraine Leslie
Certified Gerontologist
Working with the Aged

Finding Health Clinic
Are you looking for an alternative health care system that has
the power to transform your health...one that respects and
operates in cooperation with your body’s priorities and needs?
Then Jessy’s “Finding Health” Clinic is for you!

Throughout history
humans have been
captivated by
objects that glitter
and sparkle. They
capture our
attention and
draw our interest.

Fashion
REFLECTIONS
By Marilyn Wetston

The Wardrobe Doctor

For centuries
designers have
utilized things that
refract light.
To make garments
that shine.
They accented
ensembles with
jewelry that
framed the
wearer. This
fascination with
the effect of
crystalline sparkle
is still with us.
It’s not just
snowflakes,
diamonds and
Swarovski crystals
that we enjoy;
we mimic their
shine with sequins,
rhinestones,
metallic fabrics
and even add
glittery sparkles
to our make-up.

The holiday season traditionally has offered sparkly attire and
accessories. This season is no exception. In fact, the fashion
trends offer head to toe shine and glitter and it is not just
reserved to evening splash.
Yes a fully beaded dress is available, but there are alternatives.
You can capture the magical glow of crystals and enjoy it all
times of day and in as much intensity as you find comfortable.
Beyond cocktail and gala evening wear you can choose to
wear bling on a t- shirt or sweater or even on a denim item.
Nor is this shine relegated to just clothing. An evening clutch
or a day bag can sparkle. Shoes and boots can have a stud or
jewel to brighten them.
In today's world one need not be wealthy to have the effect of
diamonds and gemstones. A small investment in a statement
piece of contemporary jewelry can make you look and feel
like a millionaire.
Some individuals are put off by bling in their wardrobe. To
these individuals I say that a little sparkle goes a long way. It is
wonderful to harness the effects of the light projected by
crystal and use it to your advantage.
The objective of dressing well is to communicate and reach
out to others so that you connect and achieve eye contact.The
twinkle in your eye is more fascinating than any sparkle

&

BEAUTY

thrown by a crystal of any kind. The most beautiful diamonds
are wasted if they do not frame their wearer. Shiny touches are
your weapon. When you wear bling of any kind it is there to
make you stand out but not to overshadow you... It is essential
to use the sparkle strategically so that you reap the benefits of
its magical powers to showcase you and help your wardrobe
convey your unique message.
The concept of adding crystal touches is part of the equation
of establishing your image. It requires that you crystallize your
thoughts and gain a clear understanding of who you are.
Embrace your best colors, shapes and styles and then make use
of the stylish sparkles in today's fashion offerings to keep the
attention where you want it. Use it to highlight your best
features and make the connection with the brightest sparkle of
all-the twinkle in your eyes and the sparkle of your spirit. It is
never wrong to be the best you can be and stand out because
you have pulled together your best
look - one that conveys your
desired statement to the world and
make you shine like a polished
diamond.

RESPONSIBLE SUNLIGHT
EXPOSURE IS A GOOD THING!
Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem. Over
90% of Canadians have Vitamin D levels
BELOW those recommended by scientists.
Indoor tanning beds can produce over 10,000
IU per session. You do not need to tan your skin
to get the vitamin D you need.

At SIESTA SUN we offer a controlled,
intelligent way to
get your Vitamin D and a tan.
Did You Know?
Tanning also helps lessen the effects
of acne, psoriasis and eczema.

The same ingredients for $450/mo*
*You’d have to spend up to $450.00 on all
these products to get the combination of
ingredients found in Zeal.

Zeal Wellness is a synergistic blend of
whole food concentrates.
it contains stabilized rice bran, the most
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Meet Trish Smith, born in Orillia and raised in Whitby, Ontario.
Upon graduating she entered the IT field and while on the job she
met her future husband, Dave. They were both successful and
thrived in the IT realm travelling extensively. They ultimately
moved to New Jersey, USA to accept promotions. They had a
family and the last of their three children was born in the USA.
Health issues brought them back to Canada where family support
was nearby. Trish began to visualize her next career, why not trade
her lucrative but hectic IT career for time with family and doing
something she loved?
Like the story of The Life of Pi – she saw possibilities in everything
she envisioned and food seemed to be part of that vision. Was it
pie in the sky? Could this be her new career? She loved cooking
– why not give it a try!
Trish enrolled at Liaison College in Downtown Toronto and
began her culinary journey; she excelled and quickly developed
her love and passion for food – especially baking. She graduated
with Honours at the top of her class and was awarded the merits
and a reference book signed by her Chef Instructor, Chef Mick
Elliott CCC. It was a proud moment.

Trish values her customers and friends in the region; it’s been five
years since she and Dave bought the business. She continues to
provide a welcoming gathering place and source for delicious
meals and baked goods.
With the addition of gluten free products and a growing wholesale
market, Trish is feeding her
passion. As she fondly refers to
her gifted reference book from
her Chef Instructor she is
reminded to “keep it sexy”. It
was obvious to Trish, that her
dream wasn’t just “pie in the
sky” Thornbury Bakery is a
dream come true!
n Susanne Mikler

With three children growing quickly and the oldest already in
high school, Trish and Dave were ready to turn the page in their
next chapter of life. They decided to explore the possibility of a
simpler and quieter life outside of the GTA. It was on a weekend
ski trip to Blue Mountain with her sisters, that the notion of
making Georgian Bay their new home started to develop. In
August 2008 they moved to Thornbury and within a month they
purchased a business. Trish and Dave became the proud owners of
the Thornbury Bakery Café on Bruce Street.
The Thornbury Bakery is a local landmark and traditional in its
offerings; Trish decided not to make any drastic changes right away.
She inherited many delicious and comforting recipes with the
business so, the legacy continued. This welcoming and bustling
business is a familiar place for locals and visitors alike.They come to
enjoy the freshly baked goods, piping hot coffee and other
tantalizing beverages along with a full breakfast and lunch menu.
They are known for their amazing homemade soups. It’s almost
impossible to resist the tempting vision reflected in the glass display
case at the front counter. It’s here that Chelsea buns, decadent
squares, freshly baked breads, marvellous muffins, and a host of
delectable pies and cookies await you. Eyes feast on the array of
bountiful and aromatic delicacies conjuring up memories of a cozy
home kitchen. It’s impossible not to weaken; everyone takes home
some of those old fashioned memories.
www.womenwithvision.ca

31

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Holiday Wines
by Grey Coyote

With the global economic recovery plodding along at a snail's
pace, most of us probably won't be spending $300-$700 for a
bottle of Cristal this holiday season. Not a problem. With the
right study, we can all drink like kings and queens for $15-$20.
So let's buy some artisan cheese, pull out the old fondue set,
spring for some Swiss chocolate, order a bird or two, and settle
in for a wonderful season with some alternatives to the “Veblen
goods” that have nothing to do with the Christmas spirit
anyway...

One of the most important things to know about the L.C. B.O.
is that if your local store doesn't carry one of the products you
want, it can be transferred from one of the larger stores if there
is enough in stock! Now, if we were to start with what we have
right here in our home province, then we'll need a bottle of
Chateau Des Charmes Brut Methode Traditionelle. Clocking in
at $22.95, this is easily one of the best values going. With evenly
balanced citrus, apple, pear and acidity, a toasty finish keeps this
sparkling at the top of my list. 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal
winner Paul Bosc has set the high bar in Niagara with a fine
product at an even finer price. Match with most flavours of
pudding and/or your breakfast or brunch omelette.
If you prefer something at a more modest price-point, there are
usually at least one or two Cavas on the shelves in the sparkling
section. The Spanish answer to sparkling, they go great with
roast duck or pork, as well as eggs and smoked salmon, and
salted nuts around the fireplace. Next door, in Portugal, a nice
Espumante can be matched with light fish as well as roasts.
Perhaps easier to find will be a Moscato. An Italian native,
Moscato is very aromatic and fruity. It matches well with fresh
baked pies and cobblers from the fall harvest. It also holds up
well with a cheese or charcuterie plate. Another Italian fave,
Prosecco, also has a lot of forward flavour, and can be enjoyed
with mushrooms, fried chicken, and rich, creamy pastas. All can
be found for $15-$20.

be giving you some type of sparkling wine – not real
champagne). My personal choice for the money is Veuve
Cliquot. It has a standard that is hard to match and it combines
everything that a champagne should be into a well-balanced,
extremely pleasant experience. For just under $70, you can gift,
or bring home elegance and style. Not only does it have a rich
colour, it is creamy on the palate, with citrus, minerals and toasty
qualities running evenly throughout. The acidity is perfectly
balanced and it will sit like a queen next to your mushroom
quiche, oysters, avocado salad, shrimp in butter, and those
Christmas shortbreads!
Finally, if you would like to have an experience almost as good
as a real champagne but for half the price or less, then set about
finding a Crémant. Also from France, they will match up with
most champagne pairings, but will feel creamier in the mouth.
Better yet, for something a little different, find the Crémant
Ciderie St-Nicolas, which is a cider-crémant from Quebec. It
will lift your holiday spirits as you try to control your desire to
eat more fine aged cheddar and
slow-roasted pork!

Happy Holidays!
n Grey Coyote
former Sommelier
daily Bon Vivant!

Now, if you want to buy a real Champagne, for yourself, or as a
gift, then you'll have to spend the extra money because there is
only one real champagne region in the world, and anything else
that tries to call itself champagne is actually breaking the law (all
of those ads you see for New Years packages that claim
“Champagne At Midnight” are actually misleading – they will
www.womenwithvision.ca

12 oz of dark chocolate - chips or cubes
8 oz of heavy cream
Pinch of salt
Dippables – strawberries, banana pieces
cut into one inch cubes, dried apricots,
apple pieces
Method
Warm cream over moderate heat until tiny
bubbles form and chocolate starts to
lightly boil.
Gradually add the chocolate and gently
whisk until smooth.
Transfer to a fondue pot already heated at
a low flame.
Arrange dippables on a nice platter around
the fondue pot.
Use fondue forks to spear fruit and dip
into chocolate mixture.
Eat and enjoy (be careful the chocolate is
not too hot or you could burn your mouth)
If the chocolate starts to become stiff add
a little cream one tablespoon at a time
and stir into mixture….

Home Safety Plan
Each New Year begins with the
urge to improve our household
environment. This year, focus on
creating a comprehensive home
safety plan. Identify problem areas
by performing a household safety
audit noting details of safety
hazards that require attention.
The next step is to create a crystal
clear communication system for

The following checklist outlines the most common
safety problems.The simple instructions will help to
improve safety for children seniors and pets. The
tips are easy for all ages to handle, so post the list
inside a kitchen cupboard for quick reference.
• Keep a maintenance list to jot down required
repairs such as loose railings, broken tiles or
crumbling concrete steps.
• Stock a portable tote with first aid supplies so that
it is easy to transport to where it is needed during
an emergency.
continued on page 42

40
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www.womenwithvision.ca

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41

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

Kitchen & Bath Studio

• Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
are in working order. Instruct family members about how to
install fresh batteries.
• Inspect the basement for damp or leaking areas where toxic
mould may grow. Persistent attention is important since many
insurance companies don’t cover damage caused by mould.
Call in trained help to handle floods or leaks.
• Monitor for signs of bug infestation, rodent droppings or dead
birds on your property. Dried pest excrement is extremely
toxic to handle or inhale so hire licensed exterminators to
remove infestations.
• Make it a household rule to never leave piles of clutter on
staircases or in high traffic areas.
• Hanging electrical cords pose a tripping hazard. Clamp electronic
cables with cable ties and securely attach to a desk or wall.
• Prevent fire hazards by never running extension cords under
carpets. Use only cords properly rated by CSA (Canadian
Standards Association).
• Replace bookcases and shelves that have buckled under heavy
loads such as boxes of books. Always store bulky, heavy items

VISION!

™

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Coaching

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42

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below the waist and lighter items above the head. Securely
affix shelving units to the wall to prevent injuries from
toppling items.
• Instruct family members on the proper way to lift with their
knees to avoid back strain.
• Never climb on furniture to access high shelves. Instead,
purchase a sturdy step stool with rubber feet. Ensure stools are
rated to hold the heaviest person using them.
• Determine how to best make your home safe for children,
visitors and seniors who may have limited mobility. For
example, motion sensitive nightlights make it easier to navigate
hallways in the dark. Adding a grab bar in the bathtub is a good
idea for every home.
No obligation quotes • Professional design services
Full kitchen and bath renovation services
Granite, quartz and laminate counters
Dining furniture • linens • home décor and accessories

• Create a “blackout kit” with flashlight, batteries, candles and
matches and make sure everyone knows where to find it in the
event of a power outage.

Visit our showroom,
99 King St. E., Kings Court Mall,
Thornbury

• Be prepared for a natural disaster by creating an emergency
preparedness kit. Search for a complete
checklist at www.redcross.ca.

• Build equity with mortgage payments.
• Tax advantages. Especially for the first time home buyer.
• Appreciation of your home’s value.
• It can cost less and be more secure than renting. If you obtain a
fixed rate mortgage than the payments will remain consistent
monthly throughout the life of the loan. Rent in Ontario has
increased on average 3.5% a year.
• It builds and creates a sense of communities and allows one to
put down roots.

• You can’t just up and move. If something comes up, a divorce, a
job offer, etc. You must deal with the stress and time to sell your
home. Closing costs, land transfer tax, commissions, etc. will
impact the financial picture.
• If it’s broken,YOU have to fix it!
• On average most people pay for their homes 3 times before it is
paid off.
• Property Taxes!
• It is your home... make sure you like your surroundings, your
neighbours and the community.

&

DESIGN

• Wanderlust.....do you crave travel and adventure or are constantly
on the move with your career.....who will take care of your
home?
There are so many factors to consider in whether to own or rent a
home. The decision involves much more than running the
numbers. You’ve got to consider the emotional rewards and
challenges of each alternative. But one factor is certain; you must
know what is right for YOU. One of my favourite quotes comes
from Walt Disney “If you can dream it, you can do it”. We all need
a place to call home and hang our hat, what do you value in terms
of a home. When you align your values with your dreams, decisions
are easier to make and your direction will become crystal clear.

Women with
According to Statistics Canada, Canadians do have a love affair with their homes, stretching finances to
buy them, sacrificing other things to have a house or a condo and placing themselves deeply in debt even
when the numbers suggest renting maybe a better option. About seven in ten households own their homes,

VISION!

™

M A G A Z I N E

a number largely unchanged in recent years. The latest National Household Survey data found that
approximately 9.2 million households were owners, placing the national ownership rate at 70%. Even young
people have caught the housing bug. Stats Canada says much of the increase in ownership - the number
was 68.4% in 2006 - has been from young people buying condos.
In the debate over renting versus owning, one isn’t necessarily
better than the other. Whether you rent or own is a matter of
personal preference and lifestyle. If home ownership is right, you
must be financially and emotionally ready. Buying a home isn’t
only about money. While money is a consideration (there are
tables and calculators on line that can help you www.cmhc.ca) and
a complex one - it isn’t the only one. You should also listen to your
heart. An important ingredient is: what matters to YOU....What
is your crystal clear vision?
I read an interesting article by a professor who asked his students
to draw whatever popped into their minds when they thought of
the “Canadian Dream”. Almost every student’s paper included a
drawing of a house - a square with a triangle roof attached, four

44

www.womenwithvision.ca

little windows and a front door. This begs the question: Is home
ownership the ultimate expression of the Canadian dream? Is it
part of your dream?
Make sure you know what you are doing before purchasing a
home. It is a big investment that should not be taken lightly.
Here are some advantages to owning your home:
• Its’YOURS! You can do whatever you want to it: paint the living
room red, put up a fence, have a garden, have pets. It is nice to
have the ability to do whatever you want without getting consent
from your landlord. Being able to say, “Yes, this is MY home,
I own it.” Pride in owning a home is a great thing to have.

www.womenwithvision.ca

45

HOME, GARDEN

&

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

3. Read a book. Books like Peter Rabbit or The Secret
Garden can spark your child’s interest in gardening.

If we are to continue down this path, then we must teach our
children, early on in life.

4. Feed the birds. Collect large spruce and pine cones.
Coat with smooth peanut butter and roll in bird seed.
Hang these from trees and shrubs in your yard.

1. Windowsill gardens. All you need is a sunny spot and
a few containers of soil. Herbs are an excellent choice for
windowsill gardens.

By Janet Kurasz, Hort, AMCT(A)
For over a decade we have witnessed a rebirth of the “back to nature” movement. (Those of us old enough
to remember, can think back to the 60s.) There are more and more organic growers and organic produce
can be found on your grocer’s shelves. Urban dwellers can share in the harvest, purchasing farm-fresh
local foods direct from cooperatives; farmers’ markets are enjoying a resurgence in popularity and
thankfully can be found throughout Ontario and Canada. I truly hope and believe this is not a trend.
Sustainability studies, green technologies, agri-tourism and eco-tourism are more than just “buzz” words,
they are indeed the way of the future and the future, it seems, has arrived!

Why not introduce them to gardening this winter? The
holiday season is the time to give thanks, to reflect on a season
of bounty and to make positive changes. Here are a few
winter activities to get started:

Gardening from the Start

&

2. Watch seeds sprout. Purchase edible sprouting
seeds. Line a glass jar with a damp paper towel and insert
several seeds between the glass and the towel. Place a lid
on the jar, leave it on the kitchen counter and check the
paper every day to make sure it’s still moist. Seeds should
sprout in a few days.

5. Make a potato clock. Purchase or locate a battery
operated clock. Remove the batteries. Obtain 2 potatoes,
insert a galvanized nail into each potato. Insert a short
piece of copper wire into each potato, placing the wire as
far as possible from the nail. Use an alligator clip to
connect the copper wire of one potato to the positive (+)
terminal of the clock’s battery compartment. Use another
alligator clip to connect the nail in the other potato to the
negative (-) terminal in the clock’s
battery compartment. Use a third
alligator clip to connect the nail in
potato one to the copper wire in
potato two. Set your clock.
n Janet Kurasz,
Horticulturist
www.kurasz.ca

This past season I became involved with an organization that
promotes vegetable gardening; growing your own veggies.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to create vegetable
gardens wherever they can find a suitable patch of earth, either
in their own back yards or at a community garden.

46

www.womenwithvision.ca

I visited the community garden in Collingwood several times
and collaborated on several residential and commercial projects.
Time after time, I heard from parents about the importance of
teaching their children where food comes from, the value of a
sustainable lifestyle and the benefits of growing your own food.
At the community garden, families work together busily

Ask how you can be part
our team today...
www.womenwithvision.ca
1.866.306.6021

Start by holding the flower stem next to the vase to decide how
high you want the stem and flower head above the edge of the
vase. A good rule is to have the stem and flower head no longer
that half the length of the height of the vase.
Fill the vase one third full with water…the flowers make the
water level rise a bit depending on the volume number of
flowers.
To arrange the flowers so they show evenly from all sides, start
with putting your forefinger and thumb together to form a
circle. Place each flower stem one at a time in a north, south,
east and west pattern. As you place the next flower stem in
between each of the first four stems you will start to create a
circle of flower stems proportionately. Keep adding stems one

48

www.womenwithvision.ca

at a time until you find it difficult to hold onto the cluster.
Once you have used up all the flowers move your hand holding
the cluster down toward the bottom of the stems. Carefully
take your other hand and place it around the stems above your
other hand and hold the arrangement over the top of the vase.
Slowly lower the full arrangement into the vase until the stems
touch the bottom of the vase. Release your hands and watch
the arrangement naturally fall into place. You can adjust a few
flower stems if needed at this time.

...experiencing
classical &
creative
masterpieces

Insert your baby’s breath, eucalyptus and or ferns slowly in
between the flowers to fill up the space and at the same time
turn the vase to ensure you don’t miss any open spaces.
Now you are your own flower arranger expert!

All you need is a fresh bouquet of flowers; a sharp knife or
pruning shires; a vase and room temperature water. Some
garnish such as baby breath, eucalyptus or a strong stemmed
fern.

ARTS

& ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS

& ENTERTAINMENT

Now, growing up in small-town Quebec, Jane
probably did her fair share of playing with toys
and such as a child – no surprise there. Like
many other “actor-types”, Jane got the “theatre
bug” whilst in school, where she participated in
a number of productions – “Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Annie”, and
the like – again, no big shocker.
As she made her way through post-secondary
education (John Abbott College and Windsor
University) studying acting, she discovered a
passion for things “Shakespeare”. Upon
graduating from Windsor, she relocated to
Canada’s hot-spot for actors – Toronto, at which
point she met a couple of particularly important
dudes.

Jane
McClelland

So, it’s 2001, and literally weeks after moving to
T.O., she auditioned for a part in a show called
“Look Back in Anger”. Not only did she get the
part, but she and the director, Ken MacDougall,
fell head-over-heels in love with each other. The
two have been inseparable ever since – married
with two boys.

?

While working at Roy Thompson Hall as an
usher (ushering being a pretty typical part-time
gig for actor-types) she met Mike Petersen (also
ushering) who ultimately taught Jane a valuable
thing or two about puppetry. You see, Mr.
Petersen, among other things, had worked
alongside Jim Henson during the Fraggle Rock
days.

As She Likes It
By Dean Hollin

Arguably, an adult sitting around playing with stuffed animals just might be cause for a
certain level of concern – perhaps, even a phone call or two. Furthermore, if that same
adult makes that plush “speak” the tongue of Shakespeare, one’s level of concern might
pop up a couple o’ notches! However, if you’re Jane McClelland, than it’s likely all in a
day’s work…

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So, here’s a talented gal with the skill of puppetry
and a love for Shakespeare. Incidentally, she
marks as a clear highlight in her Shakespearean
credits, as playing Olivia in “Twelfth Night” at
the Piggery Theatre in Quebec – where she got
to work alongside Moira Wylie and the late
Douglas Campbell. Nice! Where was I? Oh,
right – puppetry and Shakespeare. So, along the
way, Mike identifies his favourite Bard-play as
being “As You Like It” and then… the “hey you
got chocolate in my peanut butter” thing
happens! Jane and Mike develop a version of “As
You Like It” using what’s called “table-top
puppetry” – where the audience can clearly see
the puppeteers. “AS YOU PUPPET” is born!
The two develop a script, scour the city for the
perfect cast of stuffed animals, and are eventually
continued on page 52

www.womenwithvision.ca

51

ARTS

& ENTERTAINMENT
Jane McClelland ...continued from page 51

Jane with her son

accepted into the 2009 Toronto Fringe Festival (Kids Fringe). It’s
a bit crazy, Jane is having babies, husband Ken and co-director
Tom McHale are alternating child-care and directing...BUT...“AS
YOU PUPPET” beats the odds and is selected as one of the 2009
Fringe Favourites, an honour for a select few...very few.
Ultimately this then leads to a run
at Toronto’s Lorraine Kisma
Theatre for Young People (Y.P.T.)
and of late, it’s being considered
as a film project by an interested
Producer.

When I first met Lesley Paul in
2001 we were both new members
at a breakfast meeting of the South
Georgian Bay Rotary Club. There
were only a few women in
attendance but as the months
passed it was recognized that
the time had come for women
to become Rotarians,
especially in Collingwood.
There was a natural
camaraderie as we were
both working in the health
and well-being field. Lesley,
a Pharmacist was well
versed in women’s health
issues and became one of
the first and regular
columnists for Women with
Vision!® Magazine as it
grew from a one page
newsletter to the magazine
you are holding today fifteen years later.

Lesley

When Lesley Paul came into the world on March 15, 1970 she
became a ‘local’ - born, raised, married and raised her own
family in her home town of Collingwood.

Paul

“I started Kindergarten at Cameron Street Public school,
which was only a block away from my house. I was there until
the end of grade two, at which point my parents moved us to
St. Mary’s Catholic School, where I created a new group of
friends.”
“My Mom was always a little old fashioned when it came to
my wardrobe….although I can attribute my love of fashion to
my her. From my earliest memories I always wore dresses…
most specifically white ones (now I wear a white lab coat most
of the time). Friends of my family to this day remind me of
my need to be clean…which possibly explains my fetish today.
I was not allowed to wear jeans to school until grade seven or
eight…in fact I’m pretty sure I had my first training bra before
the jeans!”
“Elementary school was a pretty normal experience”, shared
Lesley.
“My favourite years were by far grade six through eight. In
grade six, my teacher’s wife had a baby. I think this was my first
experience at event organization. The class managed to throw
an in-class surprise baby shower for him and his wife, complete
with decorations, food and beautiful gifts for the baby. In grade
seven and eight I had my favourite teacher, John Murphy. He
was rough and tough and you didn’t want to be on his bad side,
but Mr. Murphy brought the best out in all of us. He played
guitar and led the choir for the school and the church, so music
was a huge part of our class time. And even though I couldn’t
and can’t sing to save my life, he still let me be in the choir, albeit
in the back row!”

“I wasn’t much into school sports; my athleticism came out in
later life, but managed to play on a number of the school
teams, sometimes only to be with my friends. My mom put
me into figure skating. It was the thing to do in Collingwood.
After a very short career, she realized that this was NOT the
sport for me and my dad took me downhill skiing, which was
where I spent every winter weekend. The Collingwood Ski
Club became our weekend family home until I left for
university.”
“At age fourteen the summer prior to grade nine was spent
mostly on my bike, hanging out at Sunset Point watching the
older boys windsurf. This was also the last time that I ventured
to the drive-in with my parents.

continued on pg. 56

54

INSPIRATIONAL

“My parents moved to Collingwood from Hamilton in the fall
of 1969. My mom was just pregnant with me and my dad
came to work at Stuart Ellis Pharmacy. So yes, I am one of the
true locals!

You Only
Live Once
By Lorraine
Leslie

&

Lesley in grade one

www.womenwithvision.ca

55

MOTIVATIONAL

&

INSPIRATIONAL

MOTIVATIONAL

With a chuckle Lesley shared, “On many a summer night my brother Andrew
and I would get our pajamas on and take our pillows and blankets in the back
of my parents Buick and head to the Collingwood or Elmvale drive-in. This
summer was the last…there was no way I was getting out of my parents car
with all those high school boys there!”
When Lesley started grade nine she started working at her Dad’s pharmacy.
“My brother and I had always done odd jobs for my dad, who by this time in
1973 had purchased the pharmacy from Stuart Ellis. This was my first real
position.”

Lesley wearing her Rotary jacket with all her
international pins 1989

“At age seventeen, that February during my year abroad, I spent
a week in a Swedish Apotek (pharmacy) for “take your kid to
work week”. Their style of pharmacy practice was much
different than ours at the time and I found they had more of a
focus on the patient, something that didn’t really happen in
Canada for almost another decade. When I came home that
summer, I decided I wanted to follow in my Dad’s footsteps and
go to pharmacy school.”

Lesley went onto share, “At the age of sixteen I applied for a Rotary Youth
Exchange. My dad was a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Collingwood and
since I was seven we had had students stay with us from a variety of countries:
Germany, Brazil, Sweden, Belgium and Denmark to name a few.
I was so excited to be accepted in August of 1987. I left for a small town in
Northern Sweden, Stromsund. I didn’t know a word of Swedish, so when I
arrived 24 hours later in this town of less than 5000 people (which wasn’t even
listed in our atlas) you can imagine that I was a little nervous.
Lesley and Doug during the winter holidays from university 1991

My first week there was certainly character building. Summer was pretty much
over in the northern town, so the cool rainy temperatures were enough to
dampen anyone’s spirits. Growing up in a Rotary family I was quite familiar
with the way things worked within the organization and with the students.You
participated in whatever they asked you to. So of course when I was told we
were planting trees as a fund-raiser for Polio Eradication I went along. In
borrowed boots and coats (yes multiple) I trudged through the bushes listening
to Rotarians laugh and joke in another language. I cried that night in my
room, wondering what I had gotten myself into. School started two weeks
later and I never looked back. This became one of the best years of my life!
“Picture this…
Here I am coming downstairs on the first day of Christmas holidays. I had just
woken up from a dream in my new language! I sat at the table with my
younger host sister, who did not speak any English and had a fairly severe
learning impairment. For the first time we chatted in Swedish about her week
at her boarding school and our plans for Christmas. I was finally feeling at
home.”
Lesley and Doug's wedding day photo with their parents

www.womenwithvision.ca

“I learned to dance, to do needlework, to dress
warmly and to eat blood soup and pudding (or
how to avoid eating it on Tuesdays in the
cafeteria!). In the winter I went to school in the
dark and came home in the dark. In July before
I came back to Canada my friends had a going
away party for me in daylight, at midnight.
How cool is that!”
“I made friendships that are still as vibrant today as they were
twenty six years ago. Thanks to email and Facebook we still stay
in touch, almost on a daily basis. My host parents came to my
wedding and my friend Ullis was a bridesmaid.”

I loved high school! As a student, avoiding sports at all cost I felt it important
to do well, so I remained focused on my schoolwork, but I still hadn’t decided
what career path to take after graduation.

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INSPIRATIONAL

“What I did and saw that year could take me a
year to describe… Now remember, I
mentioned, I wasn’t into heavy athletics but I
watched a traditional Lapp reindeer slaughter,
tracked a moose that had been attacked by a
bear, helped with the moose hunt, and of
course sampled everyone of those animals. I
skied through mountains on cross-country skis
and skied downhill as well. I went to school
with all the other kids and even helped teach
the English class in exchange for Swedish
lessons.”

Lesley Paul ...continued from pg. 55

I was a cashier in the old store, located two doors north of its current location
on Hurontario Street. My mom pointed out that if I was going to sell
cosmetics, I had to learn how to apply and wear them. This was great news
for me, the girl who only a few years before was allowed to wear jeans to
school. But even at school, I continued to wear skirts while most of my friends
wore jeans and sweats. Don’t get me wrong, I was creating my own style, but
much of my mom’s influence was still present.

&

“Unfortunately my year abroad didn’t count in our school
system, I still needed to complete grade twelve and thirteen
back home in Collingwood. I concentrated all my credits into
a year and a half, obviously focusing on maths and sciences,
coached heavily by the best science teacher in history, Mr. Mark
Redmond!

New ownership 2007

– we dined at the Alphorn, where everyone used to go for their
first date from Collingwood.
Doug had just finished his first year of teaching in Wasaga
Beach. That same night you can imagine his disappointment
when I told him I was leaving for Michigan to go to pharmacy
school in August! We spent the next five weeks together until I
left for Ferris State University in Northern Michigan. My dad
was skeptical about Doug and me getting together before I was
going away. Our theme song became “Here for a good time, not
a long time” by Trooper. We agreed to see other people when I
left. That lasted until Thanksgiving.”
His parents and mine had been friends since my parents moved
to town. In fact his dad was my mom’s doctor. On the day of
my birth, Dr. Don Paul was away at a Leaf ’s game. The next day
Don came in to visit mom and she said to him “I’ll get you for
this! And she did!”

Just turning twenty, I spent it working in the pharmacy as much
as I could, and spending nights and weekends teaching skiing at
the Toronto Ski Club and Blue Mountain. That spring I
returned to Sweden for nearly a month to visit my friends and
second family.

“I finished my schooling in three and a half years, graduating
December 1993. I spent my summers in Michigan, fast tracking
through the program. Doug joined me for July and August,
seeing as he was off school during those months and he would
help me study. I attended school in the morning and then the
afternoons were spent playing baseball or floating down the river
in inner tubes with my classmates and professors, studying of
course!”

My boyfriend had just left to move out west so feeling a little
down I was out with my girlfriend’s at Jet North drowning my
sorrows. Here I met Doug Paul. He is the son of my Dad’s
friend so I knew of him all my life.

After getting her pharmacy license in Michigan and Ontario,
Lesley and Doug were married July 9th, 1994. This is where
Lesley’s Mom stood up and reminded Dr. Paul….”I got you
Don!”

July 27th 1990 I had my first date with Doug. He picked me
up in his little red Honda Civic that he had just bought that day

“It was a busy year, trying to study for the boards, plan a
continued on pg. 58

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57

Lesley Paul ...continued from pg. 57

wedding and complete my internship for my
Ontario license. I remember the day that I
became licensed that September 1994. Of
course in those days it was a phone call, to
which your license became effective
immediately. I hung up the phone, screamed
with excitement…my dad handed me a key
to the Pharmacy and said, “have fun” before
walking out the door.”
And so began Lesley’s career. “Within the
next year, my dad made me the “manager of
pharmacy services”. Pharmacy was changing
and moving towards a “care based model of
practice” rather than medication focused. My
job was to manage the pharmacy staff (we
had a retail manager already) and to
implement new programming. Around this
time I was volunteering to the Canadian
Cancer Society and giving sun protection
advice on the radio…hence this turned into
a long term engagement doing voice
commercials for the Stuart Ellis Pharmacy on
local radio station.”

grand reopening Spring 2008

For two years Lesley worked alongside her
Dad but on April 19th, 1996, she threw a bit
of a wrench into their plans as she gave birth
to her first son Andrew. “I only took six
months maternity leave and then was back
at work in full force. I took some training at
the University of Toronto and the following
spring became a preceptor (off campus
trainer) for the Faculty of Pharmacy
teaching fourth year pharmacy students
prior to their graduation. We were teaching
the new patient focused care model,
ironically what I had experienced in
Sweden.

In 2002 I became the co-chair of
“Taste of the Town”, an event
that is now in it’s eleventh year. I
was the chair for five years
before passing it on to someone
else. It is the club’s largest
fundraising event to date. I am
very proud to be part of this
organization that allows us
locally to give back to those people in need here at home and
around the world.”

Three years later, Jonathan, Lesley’s second
son was born on April 6, 1999. “Doug and I
wanted our boys to be three years apart and
we were pretty close! Again, after six months
I was back to work.”
Lesley is now a host mother for other Rotary Student Exchanges

“My dad and I felt that we needed to
expand our pharmacy services yet again and
joined PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America). We built a small lab in the pharmacy and took pharmacy back to
what it used to be and “made medicine from scratch”. As grocery and big box stores expanded into the pharmacy world this gave
us a new niche in our environment and allowed us to provide individualized care to our patients.
Work, family and philanthropy have always been an important part of Lesley’s life.

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“In the spring of 2000 my father
and father-in-law approached
me about starting a second
Rotary Club in Collingwood, a
breakfast club. So in February of
2001 the club was chartered and
I became a Charter Member of
the
Rotary
Club
of
Collingwood-South Georgian
Bay. A good friend David Sturch
moved over from the noon club
to be President for a few
months… in June I became the
clubs second president. This is
where I met Lorraine Leslie, the
publisher of Women with Vision
Magazine, and we’ve been great
friends ever since. Rotary has
always been a significant part of
my life. As a little child helping
my parents decorate halls for
dances and fundraisers. As an
exchange student in my teens
Doug and I are now host parents
for other young people from
around the world.

“After practicing as a Pharmacist for a few years I discovered
another disparity in the medical world. There was little or no
help for menopausal women. With my knowledge of
compounding and nutrition I felt this was a perfect fit for me.
As women are living longer, they are spending more time alive
after menopause and this brought out a whole new set of issues
and concerns. In my grandmother’s life time no one talked
about menopause so little was known. In 2002 when the
Women’s Health Initiative Study abruptly ceased the use of
synthetic hormones I felt that I could change that and help
women through this natural but troublesome period of their
lives.”
Lesley took courses through PCCA and became a Certified
Menopause Practitioner through the North American
Menopause Society (NAMS) a group dedicated to the research
and well being of menopausal women.

Lesley at the Chicago Marathon 2012

“I felt it was important to have as much knowledge as possible
and eventually I had physicians referring women to me for
advice. It is very rewarding to know that I could take a woman
from the brink of an emotional and physical breakdown and
helping her to live again, through nutritional support, exercise
and sometimes bio-identical hormones.”
My dad was backing off a bit at the pharmacy and spending his
winters away in California. It was also around this time that I
was getting very busy with work. The compounding business
was growing steadily and we had more staff than ever, hovering
around twenty-two or so employees. We were trying to expand
our cognitive services and improve patient care. My kids were
growing, my husband who is an elementary school principle
was working out of town and life was undoubtedly stressful. I
was trying to “practice what I was preaching” and get some
exercise but felt I needed more. I had made some new friends
who were runners and suggested that I might need to join
continued on pg. 60

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MOTIVATIONAL

&

INSPIRATIONAL

MOTIVATIONAL

&

INSPIRATIONAL

Lesley Paul...continued from pg. 59

them. My mom always
joked that “runners always
look like they are in agony”,
and really why would
anyone want to get that
sweaty.

“In the spring of 2005 I ran
my first half marathon in
Ottawa with about twenty
other girls from Collingwood.
It was by far the most
challenging thing I had ever
done but boy did I love it.
Fast forward to November
2006, to the New York City
Marathon, and I am at the
starting line, scared to death,
looking for my host father
from my exchange in
Sweden who was in a
different corral. I never did
Lesley with her husband Doug and two sons, Johnathon (bottom left) and Andrew, 2013
find him, at least not until
than with my patients.”
dinner that night, but I did painfully finish my first marathon.
“They say that everything happens for a reason and I now believe
it. My passion in life has always been to help people. In June of
I hadn’t trained properly putting in enough miles, but I did
2013 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. At the same time we
manage to raise almost $7000 for Team Diabetes. It wasn’t until
were approached about selling the pharmacy. It was a hard
October 2012 that I successfully completed my second
decision, one that occurred after much discussion with my
marathon in Chicago. This time I was well prepared. I had run
husband and my parents. After all, this was the business that my
many half marathons in the meantime (including one in Sweden
dad had built. But the stress of the business was taking a toll on
with my host dad) and followed a fairly strict training regimen.
my family and me. Furthermore I needed to be with my mom…
I finished eight minutes faster than my goal, with a smile on my
”
face. The next day I rode a bike along the Chicago shoreline
with my family. Other than the Around the Bay Race in
On September 30th 2013, I changed my nametag from
Hamilton this past March, my running life has slowed down, but
“pharmacist/owner” to “wife/mother/daughter/pharmacist”.
then again so has the rest of my life.”
My kids love having me home. And I don’t think that I will ever
regret having this time with my mom.
On November 1st 2007 Lesley bought the pharmacy from her
dad. As I handed him a golf club and he passed me the “mortar
I don’t know exactly what the future holds. I will go back to
and pestle”, a tradition among Pharmacists.
being a pharmacist at some point and working with women.
Everyone needs a break to refocus. Always a career woman the
I had no idea what the next six years would bring.We renovated
past thirty years has brought me to a good place in my life. I
the dispensary the following spring, adding a private
can now take the time to sit down and chat with my sons about
consultation space and expanding the compounding lab.
what is going on in their lives. Doug and I have found a new
Everything was great. In early spring of 2009 the government
beginning…But for now, as my kids say: “YOLO; you only live
announced radical changes in health care. The practice of
once.”
pharmacy seemed more to do with paperwork and red-tape
than helping patients. I was spending more time in my office
n copyright Lorraine Leslie – Women with Vision Magazine September, 2013

Keeping It Simple!
By Marj Sawers
This past weekend I was holding my new Great Grandson.
What I observed was a tremendous mix of two families and
several generations. These are moments that you can only
capture in your heart. I looked into his eyes and he seemed to
hold the secrets of the universe. He is like an unwritten story,
ready to burst onto our scene with the knowledge of time at
his finger tips. You see his life is simple, eat, sleep, hugs, diaper
changes, and trying to smile at his older Brother. His life as a
baby is simple all he has to do is trust. His wise look tells me,
“I am an unwritten story, an adventure about to begin”. The
swirl of activity around us disappeared as I tried to absorb his
secrets.

it and last but not least use it. Now that can’t be any clearer
can it? I am talking to myself here, but I know our numbers are
legion.

Every time he wakes up he lets the world know he is here. His
communication is not verbose, it is crystal clear, I am here, I am
awake and I need to be changed and eat. I need cuddles, I need
nourishment and assurance. I need love and laughter, I need to
feel secure. I cannot do any of this myself yet so I need help. I
need to trust and depend on my family.

Let’s promise ourselves that we will not do this in this New
Year. Let’s take a page from my Great Grandson......let your
needs or desire be expressed as clear as a piece of crystal
hanging from a brilliant chandelier. Build in deadlines so it is
completely clear you are going to the
movie on Friday afternoon, I will be
leaving at 12:30. If you are in the car you
are going, if you are not, we will miss you.
Life is for living and enjoying. If there are
bumps along the way learn from them,
but most of all just enjoy.

Are our own needs much different than that? I don’t know
about you but I find the simpler my life is, the happier I am. As
humans we seem to need to make things so confusing. We
keep adding things to allegedly make life easier. Each new
handy dandy item we add just makes more to do or be
responsible for.You need to store it, insure it, learn how to use

It is amazing how even plans to get together can become so
complex. It starts with” I sure would like to see that new
movie” for example. A few in the group say they would like to
see it too. Before long it becomes an afternoon and evening.
“Let’s go out for dinner “ before the movie. We now need two
cars because I can only seat six in mine....and so on. I have
actually missed movies as it was gone before we got our safari
off the ground. You are smiling...you have been there.

n Marj Sawers, Retired Philanthropist

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MOTIVATIONAL

&

INSPIRATIONAL

YOUR LIFE...

DESTINATIONS

Crystal Clear or Murky?
By Deborah Johnson
Imagine looking into shallow crystal clear Caribbean waters. The aquamarine
translucence allows you to behold all the beauty that lies beneath the surface. Think
of yourself swimming calmly through these waters, in perfect harmony with both
water and sea life.
What if the process of our living was actually like those
waters...clear, translucent, providing us with the ability
to see clearly all around us and flow smoothly with the
gentle waves and current – if we allow it? What if we,
of our own accord, stir up and murk our own waters?
What if we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves in
some, or all areas of our lives and muddy our own
waters to a point where we have no visibility at all?
Worse yet, what if we allow others to come into our
aquamarine waters and disrupt our tranquility, harmony
and clarity.
Crystal clear thoughts, goals, and dreams combined
with conviction to follow your own path, will ‘keep
your waters’ clear. We have experts telling us to ‘take
control’. We have other experts telling us to ‘let go and
go with the flow’. No wonder we are confused.
Perhaps life is simply supposed to be a comfortable
blend of both: ‘Control of ourselves’ by making and
accepting responsibility for our own choices and
decisions because they work for us while at the same
time ‘not controlling’ our path as we have been taught.
Instead envisioning the outcome of our goals and
dreams and allowing God, Universe, Karma, Powers
That Be, whatever your belief is, to create the path for
us to follow harmoniously. Then trustingly walk the
path.

present themselves based on our thought processes?
Choose the opportunity that feels most appropriate for
us at that point in our lives, accept full responsibility for
the decision and pursue it. Most importantly, trust your
intuitive judgement that it is in your best interest
overall, without question.
People complain that others ‘won’t let them do
something’ when in reality they are choosing to let
someone else dictate. They are allowing another to take
control of their lives to a certain degree. If it works for
us that is wonderful, however many people live their
lives based on someone else’s criteria, goals and dreams.
Unfortunately the realization comes too late that life
could have been very different if one had made
decisions for themselves based on their own needs,
desires and wishes.
To have crystal clear focus, contentedness in all areas of
your life, balance and harmony - perhaps it is as simple
as holding true to yourself and allowing others to
decide if they fall in sync with you or not. If they do,
they swim harmoniously with you in your pool of
water. If they don’t, they have the option to find
another body of water to swim in.

...Explore
the world
around you

Think of your life as your pool, keep your mental and
emotional waters crystal clear and enjoy your life to the
fullest because it is your life, not someone else’s.

We are conditioned to set our goals then make a step
by step plan to achieve them. What if we actually got
out of our own way to allow related opportunities to

DESTINATIONS

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DESTINATIONS

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DESTINATIONS

DESTINATIONS

As the

Feedback...

Mountain Turns...

VISIONS
VIEWS
INSIGHTS

&

I’m just looking at this wonderful magazine in my hands. I feel the
quality; enjoy the coloured pictures and the content. I have been
looking forward to, and writing for Women with Vision! for as long as
it has been printed. When I held the first newsletter in my hands, it
did not look like this. It was printed with no colour or possibly black
and white if my memory serves me correctly, on a good quality
newsprint paper.
I first met you at a networking meeting... (We still strongly believe in
the power of women getting together and sharing). You shared your
dream and that is when it happened. It is one thing to want to do
something, but to stand up in a group of women and say it is going to
happen, that takes true determination and focus. I believe you,
Lorraine; at no time did you see the magazine in any other format but
what I am holding in your hands. You had a crystal clear concept of
where you were going with this project. You were concerned about
the challenge, maybe, but no one would every guess that as you
charged forward clasping your dream firmly in your heart and mind.
The fall issue celebrating the fifteenth Anniversary validates every step
taken to follow your dream. Tada! ...what a living example of true grit
and a firm belief in self and the power of women when they set their
minds on a goal.
I can’t wait to see what your have up her sleeve next. Congratulation
Lorraine to you and as one of the many people you have mentored
God’s Speed to you as you put ideas and plan to work for our next
edition.

Hi Lorraine:
I just got my issue of Women with Vision...
congratulations I love all the additional bits and
pieces – you’ve captured a way to make
advertising appealing and readable!
Keep up the good work
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m in your area this weekend with my family –
I’m looking forward to sharing just how
thankful I am for all my many blessings – my
family, my friends and a career I love!

Donna Messer

Lorraine,
Thank you so much for a very enjoyable evening. It
was great meeting so many wonderful Women and
hearing their stories, sharing their desires to
succeed and help others.
I thought that Jessy's presentation was fantastic and so
much information!!! Even if it is not something that
we could completely do ourselves there were lots of
small details that we could do for ourselves.... so
interesting.
Please add me to your mailing list and I am excited to
join and take out a membership at the next meeting.
Once again, thank you and take care,

Life Numbers
YOUR LIFE PURPOSE IS CRYSTAL CLEAR
By Paola Gucciardi
Are you pursuing your life purpose? Do you know what it is?
Your Expression number makes it crystal clear. It is a lifelong target that identifies your inherent nature,
inner goals and specifically what you must do and be in this lifetime. Success is contingent on the effort you
genuinely make to pursue it.

To Calculate Your Life Personal Year ... Add all the numerical values of the letters in your full name
Example: 1 a n n e
M a X i e
B r o W n
2
3
4
1.
2.
3.
4.

Write your full name that appears on your birth certificate
Using the chart below, record the corresponding numerical value of each letter in your name
Separately subtotal the value of your first, middle and last name and reduce to a single digit
Add each subtotal and reduce until single digit

1

You are a natural leader who uses
originality as well as a pioneering and
trendsetting approach to pursue
innovative and creative ideas. Success is
achieved using determination, selfreliance and uniqueness. Guard against
becoming domineering, too aggressive
and overly opinionated.

2 Pursue environments, occupations and
relationships that align with your
diplomatic and peacemaking ways. Your
sensitivity and ability to see both sides of
an issue are both your strength and
challenge. You arbitrate and settle
disputes effectively but it can cause health
issues. Work towards inner peace and
tranquility.

3

Your life purpose is to utilize your
optimistic, fun-loving and passionate
character to inspire and bring joy to
others. Whether you are writing, acting,
designing and/or speaking pursue a life
of self-expression. Balance fun and
discipline.

72

www.womenwithvision.ca

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

a

B

C

D

e

f

G

H

i

J

K

l

M

n

o

P

Q r

S

t

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

4

Utilize your responsible, hardworking
and methodical approach to pursue
endeavours, relationships and careers.
Being grounded, secure and stable are
vital to your well being. Success is
contingent on accepting limitations and
being adaptable.

5

Your free spirit, charismatic, and funloving ways encourage you to explore
new experiences. Freedom, change,
progression and variety are important.
Pursue endeavours such as selling,
advertising, promoting new ideas or
thoughts, travel, and public relations.

6

Service to home and community is
your mission in life. Stability, security, and
a loving harmonious family life are
essential to your happiness. You are
extremely responsible so beware of your
tendency to take on the burdens of others.

Spending time alone to contemplate life is
important. To prevent becoming isolated,
remember to have fun.

8

Destined for big business and finance,
balance your desire for control and
material achievement with other aspects
of life such as family, friends, love, and
spiritual development. Success will be
achieved through your personal efforts.

9

Service to mankind is your duty and
to transform the world is your deepest
intention. Use love, compassion and
understanding to improve humanityâ&#x20AC;Ś.to
give is to receive. Balance your emotions
and sensitivity by utilizing self
compassion, forgiveness and your strong
mind.

7

Seek the truth to the mysteries of life.
Use your intellect and inner knowing to
gain understanding and acquire wisdom.
Live by realities, not superficialities.

Cost:
Each district has its own fee structure
ranging from starting at $35. Reserved
seating is a MUST! Contact the
District Coordinator no later than 48
hours prior to the Women with Vision!
Networking Breakfast/ Luncheon/
Dinner at the location of your choice.
™

Women with Vision was founded in
1998 to offer business women a
networking venue in which they
can provide support for one another
and develop new business connections.
Through this dynamic networking
opportunity attendees will receive
motivation, inspiration, advice and
mutual support to help them take
their business & lives in general to
the highest possible level.

• Direct mailing of Women with
Vision Magazine to home or work
• Card holder members receive $5 off
on breakfast, luncheon or dinner In
all regions
• 10% off magazine advertising*
• 45 minute telephone coaching

Start a Women with Vision! Networking Association in YOUR community today!
We are seeking businesswomen who are committed to excellence, leadership, mentorship and supporting like-minded women in business!
The right person will understand business development, marketing and building the Women with Vision mission:
to educate, motivate, inspire and promote women in business and daily living. If you are a leader that likes to change lives and you believe
in working with a dynamic visionary team…Women with Vision is for YOU!

Go to our website at www.womenwithvision.ca to see how we’ve grown from a
one page newsletter to a full glossy magazine and 6 Women with Vision Networking Chapters.
Send us your resume, request and application form, meet with us in person, and you could become part
of the Women with Vision Networking Association in your community.